Bike Reviews

The 140mm-travel Sight pedaled crisply, descended capably, and felt lighter than the other finalists. What clearly elevated this bike above the others, however, was its lively ride. Climbs felt easier, even without engaging the shock's platform damping, and the bike sliced nimbly around obstacles. "The Sight danced where the others plowed," said one tester.

The rear suspension reacted quickly to small bumps, and also had the most give when responding to more severe blows. That allowed the Sight to skim across a rooty section of the Womble Trail that stymied us when riding the other finalists. Because the suspension was so active it felt less snappy than some others, but the rear wheel dug into loose, uneven dirt as we climbed, propelling us forward. This was the only model in this group with a 1x11 drivetrain, which simplified shifting and offered superior chain retention.